The 73-year-old survivor from the silent movie era can be heard belting out tunes at monthly Sunday afternoon concerts organised by the society at James Finegan Hall in Eston.

The organ was first heard locally in the Redcar Pier Ballroom in 1979, but moved to James Finegan Hall in 1981 when the ballroom was demolished.

And ever since, the society’s volunteers have lovingly cared for the organ with its huge chamber of 590 pipes, drums and percussion instruments controlled from a horseshoe-shaped console.

Trevor Bunce, 74, the society’s honorary secretary, said that for the 80-strong band of 70 and 80-year-olds who look after the machine, it is a labour of love.

Now the volunteers are hoping for some help from our Wish campaign - where not-for-profit groups get a share of £25,000, depending on the number of tokens they collect - to ensure the music plays on.

Trevor said: “We’re hoping for help to ensure that we can keep going, as we do have a lot of overheads. We have to pay artists’ fees for our monthly concerts at the hall, fees and hire of the hall and publicity costs.”

He said the Wurlitzer is a big attraction for visitors to the hall, with some making an extra special trip. “We once had people at a concert who were on holiday in this country from Australia. They’d heard about the Wurlitzer and decided to come along,” said Trevor.

He added: “We just want to keep our society going and to cover our costs, we’re not bothered about making a profit.

“We want to keep the Wurlitzer going too, as once it has gone it will be gone forever.”